Crockpot Chicken Tacos

This recipe for Crockpot Chicken Tacos is an easy family meal for a busy weeknight! The chicken comes out smoky, flavorful, and tender perfect for burritos, tacos, and more.

crockpot chicken tacos

If you’re on the hunt for a tasty, hassle-free meal, look no further than Crockpot Chicken Tacos.

Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they also deliver a burst of flavor that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.

So, grab your friend (or not, they’re optional) and let’s dive into the delicious world of slow-cooked, shredded chicken tacos.

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The Slow Cooker Magic

First things first, let’s talk about the star of the show – your trusty Crockpot (or slow cooker). This nifty kitchen appliance is about to become your best friend when it comes to crafting the most tender and flavorful taco meat. Slow cooking the chicken allows all those delightful flavors to meld together while keeping the meat tender and juicy.

A slow cooker is essential for anyone who feels like they don’t have time to cook. Throw in a handful of ingredients and a few hours later you have a delicious meal.

chicken in a crockpot

Ingredients That Make It Sing

Here’s what you’ll need for your Crockpot Chicken Tacos:

  • Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. About 1.5 to 2 pounds should suffice for a family-sized batch.
  • Taco Seasoning: You can either go store-bought or whip up your own mix using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
  • Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a zesty kick to the chicken.
  • Diced Green Chiles and Chipotle Peppers: These will bring a smoky and slightly spicy dimension to your taco meat.
  • Garlic and Onions: Because garlic and onion make everything better, right?

The Cooking Process

Making Crockpot Chicken Tacos is a breeze. Just toss your chicken into the slow cooker, sprinkle it with the taco seasoning and garlic powder, add the diced green chiles and chipotle peppers, and finish it off with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

As the hours pass, the aroma will permeate your home, teasing your taste buds and building anticipation for the taco night ahead. The chicken will become so tender that it practically shreds itself when you give it a gentle stir. That’s the magic of slow cooking!

Taco Toppings Galore

Now, let’s talk toppings. The beauty of tacos lies in their customizability. Lay out an array of options like pico de gallo, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, and whatever else tickles your fancy. Encourage your family or guests to get creative with their toppings – it’s all part of the fun!

chicken and vegetables

Are Shredded Chicken Tacos Healthy?

Absolutely! Shredded chicken tacos can be a healthy choice, especially if you load up on fresh, nutritious toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. The slow-cooked chicken is lean and packed with protein.

Are Chicken Tacos High in Cholesterol?

Nope, not really. Chicken is a relatively low-cholesterol meat, especially if you’re using skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs.

How Much Chicken for Chicken Tacos for 30 People?

For a crowd of 30, you’d want to prepare around 6-7 pounds of chicken. That should give you plenty to go around.

chicken for tacos

What Kind of Cheese Do You Put on Chicken Tacos?

The cheese world is your oyster! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or a Mexican cheese blend all work wonderfully on chicken tacos. Choose your favorite or mix and match for an extra flavor explosion.

How Many Chicken Breasts per Person for Tacos?

Generally, you can plan on using one chicken breast per person for tacos. If the breasts are on the larger side, you might even be able to stretch it to two people per breast, especially when you have lots of toppings.

Does Crockpot Chicken Get More Tender the Longer You Cook It?

Indeed, it does! The beauty of slow cooking is that the longer you let the chicken simmer in those flavorful juices, the more tender it becomes. It practically falls apart with a fork.

Is It OK to Put Raw Chicken in the Slow Cooker?

Absolutely, it’s perfectly safe to put raw chicken in the slow cooker. The low and slow cooking process ensures that the chicken reaches a safe temperature to eat.

How Many Tacos Will 1lb of Meat Make?

On average, 1 pound of meat will make approximately 6-8 tacos. Of course, this can vary depending on how generously you fill your tacos and the size of your tortillas.

So there you have it, friends! Crockpot Chicken Tacos are the epitome of a low-effort, high-reward meal.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family, these tacos will have everyone coming back for seconds.

So grab your slow cooker, load up on toppings, and savor the deliciousness of homemade chicken tacos.

chicken and vegetables

Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Author: Maddy & JD – Them Bites
This recipe for Crockpot Chicken Tacos is an easy family meal for a busy weeknight! The chicken comes out smoky, flavorful, and tender perfect for burritos, tacos, and more.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Course dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 108 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Slow cooker
  • 1 blender or processor

Ingredients
  

  • lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 7 oz can of chipotles in adobo sauce
  • 1 lime juice of
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • ½ large white onion
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • or use 1 taco seasoning packet

Recipe Instructions
 

  • In a blender, combine the lime juice, garlic, onion, chipotles, and adobo sauce. Use as many chipotles as you prefer for your heat preference (we use 4) and use a couple spoonfuls of the sauce. Blend until smooth.
  • Add chicken to a medium sized bowl. Add in chipotle mixture and seasonings. Use your hands to evenly coat the chicken.
  • Transfer chicken to a resealable bag. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. (Skip this step if you want to save time).
  • Transfer chicken to a slow cooker and cook for 7 – 8 hours on low or 3 – 4 on high.
  • Remove and shred chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 108kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 17gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 228mgPotassium: 241mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 128IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
Keyword crockpot chicken tacos
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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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